Massachusetts Student MCAS Scores Have Declined
Statewide test results show performance remains below pre-pandemic levels for most students in grades three through ten.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Official results from the spring 2026 MCAS exams show that student proficiency in English and math has dropped compared to the 2019 baseline. Families across Massachusetts are seeing these results as the state assesses learning gaps lingering after the pandemic years.
Why it matters
Understanding these test outcomes is essential for parents gauging the academic progress of their children in local schools compared to state-wide trends. With performance still lagging for many, these figures help families identify where additional educational support may be needed.
Only 45% of 10th graders met English standards and 44% met math standards this year. While 14 school districts have successfully returned to or exceeded 2019 pre-pandemic performance levels, the broader student population has not yet reached those benchmarks.
The players
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The state agency responsible for setting academic standards, overseeing testing, and reporting on the performance of public schools.
The details
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administered the standardized MCAS exams in the spring of 2026 to students in third through tenth grades. These exams measure student progress against state proficiency standards in English language arts and mathematics. The assessment process was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, and state officials have been using these results to track the recovery of academic performance levels statewide.
Timeline
2019: Pre-pandemic baseline performance levels established.
2020: State did not administer MCAS exams.
November 2024: Voters eliminated MCAS graduation requirement.
Spring 2026: Latest round of MCAS exams administered.
September 22, 2026: State released official 2026 exam results.
The Home Front
These results provide a benchmark for how Massachusetts schools are recovering following the disruption of the 2020 testing cycle. The data reflects a broader educational challenge as the state navigates the post-pandemic landscape and recent changes to graduation requirements.
Parents should review individual student score reports to determine if their children require supplemental tutoring or additional resources to address learning gaps. If your local school district was not among the 14 that returned to pre-pandemic performance, consider scheduling a meeting with teachers to discuss specific support strategies.
The takeaway
While most of the state has yet to reach 2019 proficiency levels, the performance of the 14 districts that recovered serves as a benchmark for what is possible. Parents should request their child's detailed MCAS result report to identify specific areas where math or English skills need focus.
Further reading
For more context on how state testing affects local school planning, visit Secondary Education.
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Do you believe local schools in your area are effectively recovering from pandemic-related learning disruptions?
